GALLERY // DEAR HE-MAN
When I was 7 years old (in 1983) I was so enthralled by He-Man and the Masters of the Universe that I took it upon myself to try to get involved with Mattel in the product development department. Surely they would benefit immeasurably from my unbounded creativity.
My dad owned an IBM Selectric typewriter so luckily I was able to make this communication official with typed correspondence. I sat down to draft a compelling case for why Mattel should develop my character, whom I decided to call Slinger, "because he uses a slingshot." This is the letter that I put together:
"Dear Sir, I am 7 years old and I really like to play with my master of the Universe people. I have a suggestion for another person called Slinger becauses he uses a slingshot. Here is a drawing of the person I would like you to try to make, if you want more information call me at 602-xxx-xxxx. YEA HE-MAN. Thank you, Brian"
I dreamed of being the envy of my friends when Slinger debuted at the local toy store later that year. And when Mattel saw my character design, I knew there was no way they would be able to resist turning my idea into reality. I included the following concept art of the Slinger character:
I don't remember how much time passed, but one day an envelope arrived in the mail from Mattel. What was it? My first royalty check? A contract for employment? The new catalog featuring Slinger? My parents handed it to me and I tore it open with feverish excitement. Official letterhead! This was it! The big time!
Dear Brian:
We at Mattel really appreciate your interest in our products, however we cannot accept your idea in connection
with them.
Because we cannot return it to you, what we will do with your letter is to place it in a sealed box and make
sure no one else in the toy company will read it. We are sorry we must handle your suggestion this way, but
lor legal reasons, we must. We hope you will enjoy our Mattel products for years to come,
Sincerely,
T. Longworth
Manager, Consumer Affairs
It was my very own "B SURE TO DRINK UR OVALTINE" moment. I'm pretty sure I only played with GI Joe from that point onwards.
Check out more kids' creativity and artwork on THEBLOG WEEMADE.